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Why car wash service needs a robust HMI
Car washes are a value-added income-generating service for gas stations. However, worldwide labor shortages have made it difficult for the 29.3 billion business keep going.* Car wash operators are now turning to automation to keep the cars rolling through. For integrators looking to develop car wash systems, it’s important that the HMI touch screen monitor is robust and reliable enough to withstand the rigors of semi-outdoor use in the car wash setup.

Challenges of building a HMI
Wet and dirty
~Car washes get dirty outdoors and get splashed by wet rags and squeegees, so an IP65 rating is a minimum requirement.
UV and high temps
~UV light and high temperatures damage delicate electronic parts, so protection from these harmful elements is critical.
EMC interference
~Electrical noise from conveyors, drive shafts, and jets disrupts the touch screen, so fine-tuning is required to compensate.
Shock and vibration
~Shock and vibration from machines impact the HMI, so the monitor must be durable enough for reliable long term operation.

ADLINK Solution
The OM series of open-frame industrial touch screen monitors, featuring industrial-grade panels from AUO Display Plus, are designed to withstand the rigors of semi-outdoor applications. The OM series has water and dust resistance, robust touch, and UV protection for semi-outdoor use, and comes in a range of sizes to suit different applications.
~Available from 10.1” to 27.0” 16:9 screen sizes, suitable for the operator station and for the user-facing screen.
~The front panel is protected against the ingress of dust and water, with an IP65 rating.
~Firmware support to compensate for the effects of EMC noise interference and optimal touch responsiveness.
~Optional added protective UV film to filter out heat-producing infrared rays while maintaining high visibility.

Customer Benefits 
For integrators looking to streamline their development processes, expand their product range, and ensure the longevity and functionality of their car wash systems, ADLINK’s OM series industrial touch screen monitors come in multiple sizes, are weather resistant, install perfectly flat, are protected from UV damage, and have touch screens that can be tuned for best performance.

At the end of the day, integrators can rest easy knowing that the HMI will function flawlessly once installed, car wash operators will make fewer maintenance calls, and car wash customers will be delighted with their sparkling vehicle after a smooth and reliable car wash experience.